Abstract:

ABSTRACT: Scientic, Inc. will team with Vanderbilt University to produce innovative new vacuum field emission (VFE) devices developed from Vanderbilt proprietary laterally configured VFE triode configurations. As a prototype demonstration device, Scientic and Vanderbilt will develop a novel low noise/low distortion VFE differential amplifier, which achieves the properties of ultrafast switching speed and insensitivity to temperature and radiation. This VFE differential amplifier will be valuable for targeted applications requiring temperature-immunity and radiation-hardness such as advanced elecommunication, military, and space microelectronics. The differential amplifier is the most widely used circuit building block in analog ICs and, as such, is an ideal candidate for this application. The implementation of VFE triodes in a differential amplifier configuration will promote the development of VFE ultrahigh-speed ICs, logic gates, and systems. This program will establish the technology and the roadmap that will lead to the manufacture of efficient, compact E-band vacuum nano-electric devices based on our cold cathode nanostructure material technology. BENEFIT: The developments at Vanderbilt University with diamond, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nano-diamond have led to VFE diodes and triodes with high gain and stable emission current demonstrating the potential for manufacture of next generation space hardened, temperature independent electronics derived from a non-solid state/non-semiconductor approach with nano-vacuum emitter devices that have numerous applications in military and commercial systems. These nano-electronic devices will replace transistors, providing electronic functions that are radiation and temperature insensitive; the nanodiamond electron [cold cathode] sources will have numerous applications in military and commercial systems.